§ Captain WATERHOUSEasked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the continuance of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, of the consequent abandonment of livestock sales, and of the heavy loss to farmers arising therefrom, he will consider the possibility of some re-arrangement of the system of compensation, to make purchasers doubly careful of the health of beasts being introduced to their locality or holding?
Mr. WOODThis question, I understand, was recently considered by the Departmental Committee, under the chairmanship of the right hon. E. G. Pretyman, which has been examining the policy and procedure which the Ministry adopts in cases of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. I will carefully weigh my hon. Friend's suggestion in considering the recommendations made by Mr. Pretyman's Committee.